Moldova preparing to welcome 50 European leaders for second ever European Political Community Summit
- Around 50 leaders expected to arrive on Thursday
- Moldovan businesses and communities are supporting the Summit
- Major security and logistics operation already underway
Moldova is preparing to host the largest international event in its history this week, as it welcomes European leaders to the second meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit.
47 heads of state and government are expected to gather at the Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, a vineyard about 35 km away from the Moldovan capital Chisinau, on Thursday 1 June for the event. This is an increase on the 44 leaders who were invited to the first EPC Summit in October in Prague. They will be joined by the heads of the EU institutions. With about 50 leaders in attendance, this week’s Summit is one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders this year, behind the UN General Assembly and COP.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said: “The second meeting of the European Political Community is a testament to a growing unity on the continent. As Europe comes together about 20 km away from the Ukrainian border, the event is a resolute reaffirmation of our unwavering dedication to peace, a strong condemnation of Russia's invasion, continued solidarity with Ukraine, and a display of support to Moldova.”
The Summit will be the biggest political event ever hosted in Moldova, marking an important step in the country’s progress to join the EU after gaining candidate status in June 2022.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicu Popescu, added: “In the span of just two weeks, Moldovans have demonstrated their commitment to Europe with a remarkable tour de force. The European Moldova rally, which brought together more than 100,000 people, is now followed by our biggest diplomatic event, paving the way for a strong European future.
“I am particularly delighted by how Moldovans have stepped up to support the Summit, showcasing the best of our culture to the world and demonstrating how Moldova is contributing to stronger, more stable Europe.”
Preparations for the event are well underway, bringing together all parts of Moldova’s government, businesses and the civil society.
In an unprecedented security and logistical operation for the country of about 3 million, Chisinau airport is preparing for the arrival of dozens of leader’s aircraft and official motorcades.
Police and security staff are working to ensure the safety of delegates, leaders, and Moldovan citizens, while also maintaining security throughout the entire country.
Special trains are being arranged to transport 600 media attending the Summit from Chisinau to the village of Bulboaca, reducing the need for additional cars. A media centre has been set up in the Castle’s courtyard, featuring over 600 work spaces, 22 broadcast edit booths located in a wine cellar and several stand-up positions.
Moldovan businesses have also stepped up to the challenge of hosting the Summit. Car companies Daac Hermes and Autospace have provided 62 vehicles to help transport leaders and delegates, while mobile telecoms firms Orange and Moldcell have invested in boosted connectivity and wifi infrastructure in Bulboaca.
Moldova produces over 186 million bottles of wine a year, including from Mimi Castle’s own award-winning vineyard, and leaders and media will enjoy some of the country’s finest wines.
Fellow EPC participating countries, the European Council and development partners are also working together with Moldova on preparations, assisting with security standards, airport management, protocol and media operations expertise.
Individuals and organisations in Moldova have also joined forces to spread the word about the Summit to explain to the public the importance of the event and long-term benefits of the investment in Moldova’s European future.
Chisinau will also play host to leaders, delegations and media the day before the Summit, with special receptions at the Republic Palace and the art space Artcor, while media hub Mediacor is providing work spaces for journalists before and after the Summit.